An individual in despair despairs over something. . . . In…
![“An individual in despair despairs over something. . . . In despairing over something, he really despair[s] over himself, and now he wants to get rid of himself. Consequently, to despair over something is still not despair proper. . . . To despair over oneself, in despair to will to be rid of…” quote by Soren Kierkegaard](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/807/soren-kierkegaard-578_despair_an-individual-in-despair-despairs-over-s_2865905.jpg)
“An individual in despair despairs over something. . . . In despairing over something, he really despair[s] over himself, and now he wants to get rid of himself. Consequently, to despair over something is still not despair proper. . . . To despair over oneself, in despair to will to be rid of oneself-this is the formula for all despair.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Despair about something leads to self‑despair; true despair is self‑destruction, not just external loss.
In simple terms: Despair about something becomes self‑despair.
Key Takeaway
Address root causes, not just symptoms.
Themes
existential
psychology
self‑reflection
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- mental health
- personal crises
- spiritual growth
- therapy
Key Concepts
despair theory
self‑identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal beliefs fuel your despair?
- How can you transform despair into growth?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring self‑despair can deepen suffering.